The Lockdown: Lasershield - convenient, cost effective, potentially vulnerable

January 31, 2008

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What we may have is "a failure to communicate!" In previous Lockdown articles we have examined the vulnerabilities of mechanical locks and how easily most of them can be compromised. Even some popular high security locks can be easily bypassed -- if you thought that installing a deadbolt would provide all the protection you may need, think again.

But if your locks will not adequately protect you, then what will? How about a portable alarm system that is affordably priced, a cinch to install, and virtually immune to the most common cause of false alarms (keypad entry errors), maybe something like the LaserShield. Still, the question arises: if a determined burglar can easily bypass this wireless system with some simple and abundant technology, is that too much of a risk to your home security?

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PMA 2008: Live from the Sony Press Event

January 31, 2008

PMA 2008: PMA 2008 is almost underway and to kick things of we're at the Sony press conference. We'll update this story as and when we have any information about new announcements. Updated with pictures of new sensor and flagship model mockup.

Sigma APO 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM

January 30, 2008

Pre-PMA 2008: Sigma has announced an optically stabilized 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens. The lens will be available for owners of Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony DSLRs. A maximum magnification of 1:4.2 also makes it useful for users who want to get a little closer. The DG designation means the lens will work equally happily on 35mm or APS format SLRs.

Sigma 10-20mm and 70-200mm for Four Thirds

January 30, 2008

Pre-PMA 2008: Four Thirds users far and wide will appreciate the wide angle and telephoto zooms today announced by Sigma. The company's popular 10-20mm F4-5.6 and 70-200 F2.8 lenses have been converted to fit Leica, Panasonic and Olympus DSLRs. Both lenses include Sigma's HSM hypersonic focusing motors. More information follows...

Sigma 70-200 and 50-150 f/2.8 APO EX DG for Pentax and Sony

January 30, 2008

Pre-PMA 2008: Sigma has announced the launch of 70-200mm and 50-150mm constant f/2.8 lenses for Pentax and Sony owners wanting lovely bright, sensibly-priced telephoto zooms. Both are part of Sigma's premium EX range and include hypersonic focusing motors and apochromatic design.

Sigma 70-300 4-5.6 with focus motor for Nikon

January 30, 2008

Pre-PMA 2008: Sigma offers Nikon D40 and D60 DSLR owners more reach for less outlay with the launch of two tele zooms with built-in focus motors. The popular 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro lenses in both standard and APO flavors have been motorized for owners of Nikon's D40 and D60 which lack support for tradition screw focusing. More details after the link...

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM

January 30, 2008

Pre-PMA 2008: Kit lens owners seeking added stability without external support will welcome the launch of an image-stabilized 'walk round' lens from Sigma. The 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM combines a useful focal length range with a hypersonic focusing motor and optical stabilization in a remarkably compact package. Click through to find out more...

Sigma announces DP1 to be available spring 2008

January 30, 2008

Pre-PMA 2008: Sigma has announced the imminent availability of the greatly anticipated DP1 digital camera. The DP1 has a sensor around the size of those found in most DLSRs - although it is greatly different in terms of design - and aims to offer equivalent image-quality and specification in a compact format. In common with Sigma's DSLR offerings it utilizes Foveon's direct-image-sensor technology which detects three colors at each of its 4.6 million pixels (collecting the same amount of color data as a conventional 14 megapixel sensor). Our contacts at Sigma say it will be available in "spring." Production spec after the jump...

General Dynamics Itronix intros rugged Duo-Touch II tablet PC

January 30, 2008

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General Dynamics Itronix sure took their time producing a follow-up to its original Duo-Touch tablet PC, but it has finally come though, with its new Duo-Touch II offering a fairly sizable leap after that nearly three year dry spell. It's still far from a powerhouse, however, with it boasting a 1.2 GHz Core Duo U2500 processor and a max 2GB of RAM, although that's somewhat made up for by its extensive connectivity options, including 3G support and GPS in addition to the usual WiFi and Bluetooth. Most importantly, the die-case magnesium unit should also be more than rugged enough for all but the most demanding users, with it meeting or exceeding MIL-STD 810F durability standards and thoroughly sealed to keep water and dust out. Just be prepared to shell out for all that durability, with the tablet set to demand a full $3,595 when it becomes available in March.

 

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Baby Climo air purifier is adorable, possibly deadly

January 29, 2008

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If you're not totally swayed by the evidence that certain air purifiers cause harmful levels of ozone emissions, why not put your money where your mouth is and stick one by your infant? These Baby Climo units from Takara Tomy filter out bacteria, mold, and odors, all while using just a tiny amount of power -- and looking like tiny little ozone-spewing aliens. Japan-only, but it looks like importers have 'em for the brave at $229.

[Via Popgadget]

 

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